What’s the AB 1356, and will it be successful in killing the black market. Read on to learn more.

AB-1356 – What’s it All About?

Assembly Bill 1356 is a piece of legalization, which would push the local authorities to approve cannabis retail license for every four bars/restaurants that have a liquor license or for every 10,000 residents. The bill proposes 2,200 new cannabis dispensaries across the state; currently, the number is around 631.

In 2016, The Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA) (Proposition 64) was passed with approval from 57% of the voters in the state, allowing the sale of recreational marijuana. But, still, many cities and counties that had voted for cannabis legalization, don’t allow retail marijuana businesses.

The AB 1356 will fulfill the will of people who once voted for cannabis legalization in the state.

Recently, 24 cities who restrict cannabis sales sued Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration, saying that the state is violating the Prop 64 by permitting cannabis home deliveries.

And, introducing this bill could be the second face of the ongoing battle between the state officials and cities & counties opposing cannabis sales.

Phil Ting, a Democratic State Assembly Member who introduced the bill, said, “It’s unfortunate that the cities and the counties really haven’t fulfilled the will of the voters to provide legal access under Proposition 64.”

Recently, 12 Democratic State Assembly members have voted in favor of it. But, many cities and counties are fighting the legalization, citing the move by the state may crush their rights to determine what businesses can operate in their regions.

The Burbank Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy said, “I think it’s ridiculous and I think it’s an overreach. The bill is an example of Sacramento deciding what should happen at the local level, and it’s just wrong.”

Newsom said that the state is expected to get cannabis taxes of $359 million next year.

What About the Black Market in the State?

Cannabis black market has always been a problem in the state. In the cities and the counties that aren’t allowing cannabis retail business, people get marijuana products from the black market.

Legalizing cannabis was supposed to stop the growth of illicit dealers, but that hasn’t happened yet. Both consumers and cannabis businesses are suffering from the banned marijuana sales.

The Assembly Bill 1356 is for the cities and the counties who once supported the Prop 64, but aren’t allowing cannabis sales currently. However, the cities that opposed Prop 64 would uphold their ban on marijuana sales.

Many people think that Ting’s bill can’t limit the rights of local authorities on cannabis sales. Some think that allowing cannabis retailers could lead to an increase in the crime rate as the marijuana shops have a lot of cash.

Mayor Gabel-Luddy said, “One of the problems is the handling of the cash involved in cannabis sales. It’s a concern for us when there’re large amounts of cash laying around.”

People who are supporting the Ting’s bill say that there should be legal access to cannabis, especially to the patients whose well-being is affected by such bans.

Conclusion

The 2016’s Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA) allows cannabis sales for recreational users across California. But, after the legalization, the process of allowing legal access to cannabis to people in the state hasn’t been fully implemented yet. There’re many cities and counties who voted for Prop 64, but aren’t allowing cannabis sales.

Assembly Bill 1356 is a great move by the state to allow cannabis retail businesses sell marijuana products. If passed, it enables the local authorities to approve retail license for every four bars holding a liquor license or every 10,000 residents.

This bill may also help in killing the black market, which has been a major problem for legalized cannabis businesses.

However, medical marijuana can be a great option for people to get an easy access to the herb. As a medical user, you can enjoy many benefits over recreational users. These include access to more state-licensed dispensaries, fewer restrictions, high-quality cannabis products, legal permission to grow cannabis on your own, etc.

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